Due to the fact that the wheel cradles on the rack are fixed in place, however, we did notice that there is a limited wheelbase range. During testing, it rained and snowed quite frequently and this rack lived on the back of our tester's truck for over a month. Furthermore, the BackStage comes with many features youd expect from a premium hitch rack: a cable lock (although not integrated), the ability to carry various types of bikes and wheel sizes, sturdy ratcheting arms, and quality materials and construction overall. Hanging hitch racks are a popular way to transport road or lightweight bikes without the need to lift them overhead and onto the roof of your vehicle. The plastic parts used on the Monorail do appear to be highly durable, though plastic tends to break down over time. The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. Note: The Helium is discounted at the time of publishing, as an updated Helium Platform XT has been released. This cable isn't permanently attached to the rack in any way so it's quite easy to loop it through your bike frames. Overall, we prefer the platform style for its ease of loading and superior all-around stability, but high-capacity hanging models are the clear leaders in terms of value. Other racks share this attachment style and it isn't especially challenging to use, though the tool-free knob designs on the Thule T2 Pro and the Yakima Dr. Tray are much quicker and more user-friendly. Kuat Transfer Universal 2 Bike Hitch Mount, CURT Manufacturing 13316 Class 3 Trailer Hitch. During testing, we didn't have any problems getting any of our adult-sized bikes to fit on this rack. 1Ups Heavy Duty Double and Recon Rack 6 are among the most expensive racks in our round-up, and both feature high-quality, all-metal constructions that have excellent lifespans. Bike racks in general have very similar feature sets, and one common upgrade that you see on mid-range and premium designs are locks. Type: PlatformWeight: 63 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs. To help with bike-to-bike interference, RockyMounts utilized a tiered design, which means each bike sits at a different height (the one closest to the vehicle is lowest and they step up higher as they move away). It's similar to many of the other racks in this test in terms of its width of 56", but it's compact in comparison for its height of only 26.5". The rear wheel cradles need to be attached to each tray and the ratcheting straps also need to be slid into position on each one. The second accessory lock is for the receiver hitch, which typically is found on the hitch pin or integrated into the bottom of the rack. We much prefer the lighter weight racks anytime we have to move them by hand as they are far less cumbersome than heavier models like the Thule T2 Pro at 51 lbs, or the Kuat NV 2.0 which weighs a whopping 57 lbs 10 oz. For downsides, we were disappointed to find that Yakima didnt utilize enough padding on the straps for both the bars and wheels. In testing, weve found that weight-saving models like the Yakima Dr.Tray and Kuat Sherpa 2.0 have their fair share of compromises in carrying ability and longevity. Further, the rack rusted out quickly (this was in the rainy Pacific Northwest, however). Tack on a considerable $49 difference in cost, and despite the NVs smooth styling and extras like the aforementioned repair stand, the T2 Pro gets the slight edge Read in-depth reviewSee the Kuat NV 2.0 Rack. And with the exception of some truly cheap options, nearly all hitch-mounted bike racks have this functionality. RockyMounts MonoRail Rack 1-Bike Extension $ 199.95. Quick View. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, its yet another reason we prefer the platform rack style. This rack certainly doesnt have all the bells and whistles of the more premium options above and below, but it will reliably transport your bikes from point A to point B. Its when you get to the extreme ends of the spectrum with 12- to 24-inch kids bikes or fat bikes with 4- to 5-inch tires that problems can crop up. Further, you get included bike locks, a receiver lock, and its secure strap system is one of the best in the business. Platform Rack Add-Ons It takes a few minutes but it certainly isn't difficult to put together. RockyMounts WestSlope 3 combines a user-friendly tray design and generous three-bike capacity at a reasonable cost. Our favorite lever style on a platform rack is found on Thules T2 Pro XTR, which has a large handle conveniently located at the end of the rack. If you have a truck, the simple pickup pad is a nice, affordable option, but you do lose the security of a locking hitch and it can take some work to limit bike-to-bike contact. Type: Vertical hangingWeight: 104 lbs.Number of bikes: 6 (available in 5-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 45 lbs.What we like: The most secure and easiest way to carry six bikes.What we dont: Very heavy and very expensive. The single-bike version uses the exact same burly folding chassis as this two-bike version and goes for $280. Similar to racks like the Thule T2 Classic and the Yakima HoldUp, the Monorail has plastic wheel cradles and some clamp arm components. Attractively priced at $449 and weighing a reasonable 37 pounds, theres a whole lot to like about the Transfer v2. I'll second the Saris Superclamp EX2, I've been using one all year and it's great! Type: Vertical hangingWeight: 50 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in 2- and 6-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Relatively compact and easy way to transport mountain bikes.What we dont: Outdated and less versatile compared with the 1UP Recon Rack above. This design shares a number of basic features with the Thule T2 above, including an attachment system that avoids frame contact and a tilting function that allows for access to the back of your vehicle. In short, releasing a pin allows them to open like an arm, pivoting the entire rack to the side of the vehicle. Once you've got the cable configured how you want it, the metal fitting on the end of the cable slides onto the pin at the main pivot of the platform and gets locked on with the 2nd hitch pin lock. In short, it can't match the sheer number of useful features included with the Thule T2 Pro above. A cable lock is also included to secure the bikes to the rack. To start, platform racks like the Kuat NV 2.0, Thule T2, Yakima Dr.Tray, and 1Up are not impacted by this because they only come in contact with the bikes tires or wheels. The included locks are certainly a good theft deterrent, but not much more than that. The final potential bike compatibility pitfall is related to the shape and style of your bikes frame. If you have any interest in carrying a fat bike, the primary selling point for me was that it carries everything from fat to road bikes with no modification. One of the reasons that the Thule T2 Pro XTR took the top spot on our list is its ability to fit so many bike styles straight out of the box. At $800, the T2 Pro certainly isnt cheap, nor is it particularly light at over 50 pounds, but its sturdy, long-lasting design is ideal for committed riders. If neither of those options work, youll need to do some digging. They also make a Hitch Extension, $50, for 2" receivers that extends 8" and comes with a bolt and hitch pin lock. Moreover, theres no option to add an extension to the XT 2, which means that two bikes are your hard ceiling and youll need to buy another rack if you want to carry more. To start, its easily one of the most expensive ways to carry two bikes, and therefore is not a good value unless you need or want the ramps. And with rapidly changing technology and an ever-growing Not long ago, mountain bikers didnt have a choice when it came to wheel sizes26 inches was the only option. The rack comes with ladder strap extensions to secure fat bike tires in the rear wheel trays. Add-ons (also known as extensions) are a great way to increase the carrying capacity of your platform-style hitch rack. For more information, see our hitch rack comparison table and buying advice below the picks. And we found the design to be well made overall with sturdy components, user friendly with a functional foot-operated tilt lever, and secure with its reliable cradles and ratcheting system. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. Compared to the Thule T2 and Kuats own NV 2.0 below, the materials and level of refinement are a step down. Compare RockyMounts BackStage vs Yakima FullSwing | etrailer.com Select Year Select Make RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount Mouseover to zoom. For each bike, arms secure over the tires (no concerns about frame contact), and wheel straps serve as backup for hauling heavier e-bikes, models with fenders, or if you have bikes with very different wheelbases. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As such, on certain platform racks, there can be wheelbase compatibility issues. The tubing and trays have a durable metal construction, though there is a fair amount of plastic on this rack. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. One thing the MonoRail has going for it is its moderate weight. If, however, youre considering a hanging rack, take a close look at the shape of the top tube of your bikes frame. Kuat. And that amount can vary widely: burly platform racks have the highest ratings, including Thules e-bike-ready EasyFold XT 2 that can haul up to 65-pound bikes. To keep the material protected, the most important thing to do is select a style that doesnt allow for any frame contact. So far we've been quite impressed with the durability of the MonoRail. All that said, it's hard to overlook the beauty and level of craftsmanship of the 1Up. A RockyMounts MonoRail rack bike carrier is as simple to use as most modern bike racks, with a ratcheting arm that holds the front wheel stable and a ratchet strap to secure the rear wheel. There can be big differencesfor example, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0s max wheelbase is a fairly short 47 inches, while the 1Ups Heavy Duty Doubles max capacity is 54 inches. Along with sturdy materials and a very intuitive instruction manual (a rarity on the market), theres a lot to like with the mid-range WestSlope. At $550 and $598 respectively, theyre clearly a big investment, costing nearly as much as the main racks themselves. The rear wheel cradle is attached on a hinge so it does have some adjustment, the RockyMounts website claims it can fit wheelbases from 34" to 49". In addition, the tilt lever is hidden away and essentially unreachable if you have bikes already loaded up (its far easier to access without bikes). Hanging racks are a popular way to transport bikes without needing to lift them overhead onto the roof of your vehicle, and they typically also offer more capacity out of the box than platform designs. That said, if you wont be using your rack all that often or will need to remove it by yourself with some regularity, a lightweight design like the Beta is a perfectly reasonable choice. But if youll only be carrying standard mountain or road bikes, a 1.25-inch receiver will work great. HighNoon FC Solo 1.25/2in Hitch Rack. This rack costs less and outperforms than many racks that cost more. It tips the scales at 44lbs 2oz, putting it right around average for the hitch mount platform racks we tested. Ending Jun 30 at 11:33AM PDT 5d 2h. Type: PlatformWeight: 63 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Built-in swing feature provides easy access to the rear of your vehicle.What we dont: Its the heaviest two-bike rack on this list. Yakimas Dr.Tray has no problem accommodating fat bike tires up to 5 inches, but is unable to fit a wheel size smaller than 26 inches (and no adapters are available). The latest version of the Transfer also is adjustable enough to fit a wide range of bike types and wheel sizes (from 18-29 in.) You first loop the cable through the frame and then use the hitch lock to lock the bike onto the rack. For those who tend to keep a bike rack on their vehicle at most (or all) times, the Yakima HoldUp Evo folds up and out of the way. Testers found it relatively easy to move around and pick up with just one hand, making putting it on and taking it off less of a chore. One of the more technical considerations of the hitch rack puzzle is the clearance between the rack, your bikes, and the vehicle. In getting the Dr.Trays weight down to an impressive 34 pounds, Yakima did unfortunately have to compromise the stout feeling typically associated with platform racks. We also like the EZ+1 extension, which allows you to expand its carrying capacity to three bikes with only a 9-pound weight penalty (for an additional $259). Further, we think Yakima has the best cradle system, which includes ratchet-style straps to securely hold the bikes top tube to the rack. In the end, this feature can have a huge impact on overall convenience, and we call it out whenever possible in the write-ups above. From road bikes to fat tire bikes (up to 4.8 tires) to mountain bikes, the HoldUp EVO was designed to carry a wide range of bike styles - without the need for any adapters. Let us know! Best Hitch Rack for Rear Cargo Access: RockyMounts BackStage Best Hitch Rack for E-Bikes: Thule EasyFold XT 2 Best Vertical Hanging Rack: 1UP Recon Rack 6 Best Overall Hitch Bike Rack 1. Like the RockyMounts BackStage above, the racks calling card is its swing-away feature that provides easy access to the vehicle. It's slightly less refined than some of the more expensive competition but it still checks all of the boxes. Thule. $10.21 shipping. The ramps are quick to deploy, do a nice job guiding the bikes up and down, and store easily on the rack while driving. HoldUp Bike Rack - 2in. A quick check of our list above will show that most of the hanging-style racks have ended up at or near the bottom of our rankings. I didn't expect to like it this much. The tilt release handle is simple and well designed, adding to the user-friendliness of the Monorail. Our editor described it as "a work of art much like a high-end bike," and there is a lot of truth to that statement. But despite a growing number of competitors in this categoryincluding Yakimas HangTight, Lolo Racks, and North Shore Racks' NSRthe 1UP's combination of build quality, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of bike styles makes it our favorite vertical hanging rack.See the 1UP Recon Rack 6. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Sitting atop Kuats hitch rack collection is their top-end NV 2.0. With a weight capacity of only 37.5 pounds per bike, you wont be able to haul electric models or some heavier cruisers. This rack is solid, user-friendly, fits a large range of tire sizes, and comes with a cable lock and a locking hitch pin. 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